So what is the best?

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best entry level road bike.... decent shifters, and the ability to upgrade over time to create a better bike. sub 800.00

I know the responses will vary here and that is fine. but I have limited knowledge here. my globe just isn't working for the longer than 10 mile rides. I will keep the globe for day running around but want to add a road bike to the family. currently looking at the trek 1000, trek 1.2, giant OCR and willing to listen to others.

thanks guys

kirk

is it safe to say that every bike that costs between 600 and 700 dollars will have the same stuff on it. shifters and the like.

so it will really come down to the name on the bike or the price right?

kirk

is it safe to say that every bike that costs between 600 and 700 dollars will have the same stuff on it. shifters and the like.

so it will really come down to the name on the bike or the price right?

kirk
Not quite so simple--fit and frame geometry, in my opinion the most important elements, will differ. If you're new to this I recommend talking with several dealers about what kind of ride you're looking for, getting an approximate fitting, and sampling their wares.

Some members here will emphatically argue for a full "professional" fitting at some point, but I would allow you to trust your own discretion on that.

The short answer is that there is no "best" entry level road bike. There is no "best" with regard to pro level bikes as well...There are many "best" bikes because there many varied tastes amongst the many varied riders out there.

At an entry level, you're going to get approximately the same equipment so I agree with the above posters that getting some good advice on a good bike fit is more important at this stage than being concerned about which bike is "best".

What is just as important at entry level is also the quality and quantity of training. I know with good form I, on my $500 entry level bike, can drop many guys on their $1500 second level bikes...

If you're going to stay in the sport of cycling for awhile, you're going to eventually upgrade anyway, so don't get "paralysis by analysis" where entry level bikes are concerned...